“Magic Happens Outside Your Comfort Zone”

I read a BuzzFeed post this morning called “31 Unmistakable Signs That You’re An Introvert”, and it made me feel pretty awesome about my introversion. I actually ‘laughed out loud’ at number 8 and showed it to my boyfriend who also laughed because I regularly do this at parties. I didn’t realize other introverts did this too!

It’s true that we introverts need our quiet time and will sometimes decline invitations or cancel plans if we’ve had a busy week and just need our one-on-one time (with ourselves that is), but I think we are good listeners, since we usually don’t speak without giving it some serious thought.

I also think we have to be careful here though. I have experienced Number 19 on BuzzFeed’s list on many occasions, including in important meetings. How many times have you found yourself sitting around a large boardroom table surrounded by people talking on and on and on, and you’ve been formulating a thought in your mind for awhile now and you’re waiting until just the right moment to say it…and then someone else says it? Sigh.

I have a framed picture in my bedroom that says “Magic Happens Outside Your Comfort Zone”. I think I bought this as a reminder to myself that thoughtfulness and patience, though important, must be tempered with risk and bravery if we want great things to happen.